Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19 

Chelsea went back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, courtesy of goals from Pedro and Willian. They were made to take the lead twice, but in the end, the Blues held on to go six points clear of 5th placed Arsenal, who are in a spot of bother at the moment.

It wasn't one of the most relentless performances from the hosts, as it's been the case since a couple of months now, but while Maurizio Sarri and co. aim to fix the problem, it is quintessential to churn out victories in order to keep pace with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.

A stunning header from Ciaran Clark brought the Toons back on level terms, but a sublime finish from Willian was what Chelsea needed to avoid another blip at home.

On that note, let's take a look at the major points from Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

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#1 Chelsea start scrappy but Pedro scores

Chelsea FC v Newcastle United - Premier League

Chelsea got us underway and as expected, settled into their shape with no fuss. They couldn't quite control the game early on, but the passes kept adding up. The Magpies on the contrary, set up with a wide back five, foiled by a very narrow four-man midfield.

Matt Ritchie, arguably Newcastle's most creative attacking threat, was again made to run his game from left back.

The home side continued to press, but a brilliant run from Pedro on the back of Matt Ritchie was sighted by David Luiz, who sprayed spectacular long passes throughout the game. The centre-back, from 60 yards out, played Pedro in and the Spaniard made absolutely no mistake.

He controlled it with his chest beautifully and did not panic by the presence of an onrushing Dubravka. A composed finish was all it needed.

Sometimes, it's all about playing simple football, making willing runs and scoring goals. Despite all the passes that were racked up in the process of 'Sarri ball', it took one long ball to break open Newcastle's defence.

#2 Blues continue to control the game but fail to score a second

It was a cagey affair until Newcastle's equalizer

Until the 20th minute or so, it was far too easy for Chelsea, as they ran at the opposition back line time and time again, and it seemed like it was only a matter until a blue shirt slotted home a second goal.

However, take nothing away from the visitors as they stuck in, stayed compact and looked to soak the pressure. It took 29 minutes for them to register their first effort on goal, with Florian Lejeune smashing a volley straight to the gloves of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Pedro was then played through once again and from the right, he struck a fierce shot on target, only to be met by Dubravka's strong right hand. A terrific save it was, indeed.

Chelsea continued to attack but a similar story in front of goal loomed large as a second goal looked unlikely.

#3 Ciaran Clark and Willian score, Chelsea take the lead

What a header from Ciaran Clark!

With their well-drilled defensive configuration and a couple of ventures forward, it always looked like Newcastle were in the game. They spurned a golden opportunity in the 37th minute, when Ayoze Perez had the entire goal to aim at.

Kepa had come rushing in and for a second, looked like he was in no man's land. However, Perez went for power instead of precision and squandered a rare opportunity.

Three minutes later, Matt Ritchie's stellar left foot produced a peach of a cross from a corner, which was met by Clark. The central defender leaped above everyone and placed his effort to perfection to level terms.

Moments after their celebrations, Jorginho found Willian eyeball-to-eyeball with the Newcastle shot-stopper, but the Brazilian scuffed his shot wide of goal.

However, Willian scored a beauty after the break, when Eden Hazard, who had a relatively quiet expedition, tore the heart of defence and fed Willian on the left. The 30-year-old took a touch, cut inside and curled an exquisite shot to the back of the net.

#Salomon Rondon is the most patient striker on this planet

Rondon v Rudiger was some battle

Let's take a moment and appreciate Newcastle United's, Salomon Rondon. Coming into the game, it was him who had scored each of his side's last three away goals and to be honest, it was him who looked the most threatening to make something happen again.

First of all, let's talk about his patience on and off the pitch. Despite the extra negative approach formulated be Benitez in recent weeks, Rondon has stuck to his task and netted goals whenever called upon.

On the field, taking yesterday as a prime example, one could infer that he is arguably the most isolated striker in the Premier League. Nevertheless, the former Baggies forward won aerial duels almost every time against David Luiz, bought a lot of time for his midfielders and held the ball up extremely well.

The only time he looked beaten was when he was outnumbered and that's understandable as Newcastle had committed maximum bodies behind the ball.

#5 The problems are far from solved for Maurizio Sarri

Sarri must address the lack of goals at Chelsea

Six points ahead of Arsenal with a chance to go nine clear ahead of a London derby next up, but the problems still float on the surface for Maurizio Sarri.

His side largely contained Newcastle, completed over 660 passes, enjoyed almost 70% of possession and yes, that's been the story every week. As the gaffer has mentioned, it's the problem in the final '20 meters' of the pitch.

The first problem was to play Eden Hazard. Anything can happen in the PL, but against a hapless Newcastle side at home, he could have rested his star man, who has played a majority of every single game from mid-December. Given that two high-voltage London derbies are coming up, it wouldn't have been the worst idea in the world to hand Hazard a 30-minute cameo.

Sarri must tinker his style against various opponents as the same brand of football struggled against Benitez's troops, who completely suffocated the central areas of the pitch. That's when someone like Giroud, who thrives on crosses and long passes, would have come in handy.

Let's see what happens at the Emirates.